Members are cordially invited to participate in a visit to Keelung that will include a lunch meeting with Mayor Lin Yu-chang and senior government officials, followed by a cruise on a luxury 80-foot yacht from Keelung harbour to Keelung Islet (基隆嶼) in the afternoon. The visit is part of the ECCT's outreach programme as a nation-wide association to establish relations and seek areas of mutual cooperation with municipal governments all across Taiwan.

Keelung is home to the largest port in Northern Taiwan and the second largest in Taiwan (after Kaohsiung). The area was first inhabited by the Kategelan aborigines and occupied by both Spanish and Dutch colonial forces in the 17th century. It continued to develop into an important trading port under the Qing dynasty, Japanese colonial control of Taiwan and under the RoC since the end of World War II.

In recent years Keelung has become a frequent port of call for cruise ships. Looking ahead, Mayor Lin is considering how to take advantage of Keelung's access to the ocean and northern coast to boost industries such as leisure boating, eco-tourism, fishing, yacht building, maintenance and docking facilities and marina tourism. The president and cabinet have already expressed support for building a new terminal for cruise ships in Keelung. Access to the ocean also makes Keelung an ideal location for marine research and education.

This event offers an exceptional experience and exclusive opportunity for ECCT members, especially those in the Travel & Tourism, Custom & Logistics, LCI and Luxury Goods sectors to explore business opportunities in Keelung and Taiwan's north coast region.

12:00 -14:00 Lunch with Keelung Mayor Lin Yu-chang and the city government officials

14:00 -17:00 Luxury cruise around Keelung Islet

After lunch guests will enjoy a cruise on an award-winning yacht, named 名隆號. The 50-tonne, 80-foot yacht was designed by the top Taiwan designer Tsai Ming-Lung and has won the prestigious Red Dot design award for its sleek design and luxury hotel-style features including VIP suites, a KTV lounge, a meeting room and an outdoor BBQ bar.

Lin Yu-chang has been the Mayor of Keelung City since December 2014. He worked as a Senior Specialist to the Secretary-General and Advisory Officer in the Office of the President in the cabinet of Premier Yu Shyi-kun. For the DPP, he formerly held the positions of Spokesperson, Chief of the Social Development Department in the DPP's Central Headquarters, Chief of the party's Institute of Democracy and Deputy Secretary-General. He has studied Building & Planning at National Taiwan University and Landscape Architecture at Chinese Culture University.